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In Korea, grooming is a big deal for both men and women, and Korean hair salons are known for their seriously high-quality service. These days, a lot of travelers actually plan a salon visit as part of their Korea itinerary. The problem is, it can be surprisingly hard to find reliable info online about the best Korean men’s hair salons, how to book, and what prices to expect, which makes picking the right place feel like a gamble.
I’ve personally lived in Korea for over 10 years and have plenty of Korean guy friends, so I’ve gotten a close look at what’s actually trending in Korean men’s hairstyles and grooming. If you’re heading to Korea soon and thinking about getting your hair done, or bringing your partner along for a glow-up, this 2026 Korean men’s hairstyle guide will help you walk in prepared. I’ve rounded up the biggest trends Korean guys are getting right now, plus insider salon tips you won’t want to miss.
Popular Korean Men's Hairstyle Guide
Trending Men's Hairstyles in Korea 2026
Semi Leaf Cut
Over the past five years, the Leaf Cut has been a go-to Korean men’s hairstyle, especially after Lee Dong-wook’s iconic look in Goblin. But for 2026, the trend is shifting toward the Semi Leaf Cut, which keeps things cleaner and more wearable.
In this updated version, the hair around the ears is trimmed shorter while the top and back are left slightly longer for movement. Many guys pair it with a light perm, so you can just tousle it in the morning and the layers already fall into place. If you like the vibe of longer hair but are not big on daily styling, this is one of the easiest Korean men’s cuts to maintain.
Styling difficulty | Moderate |
Suitable face shapes | Long faces, oval faces, more defined facial contours |
Down Perm | Recommended |
Natural Shaggy Cut
For 2026 Korean men’s hair trends, styles are definitely leaning longer and more natural rather than ultra-clean and sharply structured. The Natural Shaggy Cut fits this shift perfectly.
This look focuses on airy texture and an effortless, slightly undone feel. Compared to simply growing your hair out, the shaggy cut adds more layering and keeps the ends lighter so the hair does not look bulky or heavy. The result is a relaxed style with a subtle vintage edge that still feels very current in Korea.
Styling difficulty | Medium to high |
Suitable face shapes | Most face shapes (use layering to contour) |
Down Perm | Not necessary (recommended if hair at the sides tends to flip out) |
Vintage Perm
![Korean trends Korean men]()
The Vintage Perm is all about that effortless, layered Korean look with plenty of volume and a perfectly undone finish. Instead of looking overly styled, it gives your hair a naturally tousled vibe that feels both trendy and low-maintenance.
If your hair tends to look thin or flat, this perm can instantly add body and fullness. Even better, you usually only need a bit of hair oil or styling essence to define the texture and bring out more dimension, making it an easy upgrade for your everyday look.
Styling difficulty | Medium (requires hair clay/hair oil to set) |
Suitable face shape | When you want to add facial dimension |
Down Perm | Recommended |
Want to know which hairstyles Korean women are into this year?👇🏻
[Blog] 2026 Popular Korean Women’s Hairstyle Guide
Common Men's Haircuts in Korea
1. Dandy Cut
Park Ji-hoon/Cha Eun-woo
The Dandy Cut is easily one of the most classic Korean men’s hairstyles. It typically features a clean, shorter back and sides paired with a fuller, longer fringe in front that lightly covers the eyebrows. The result is a soft, youthful look that has stayed popular for years.
One reason this cut is so widely loved is how versatile it is. It helps balance a higher forehead and generally flatters most face shapes. That is why you will see so many K-pop idols and K-drama actors wearing the Dandy Cut. Honestly, back in college, I saw tons of guys rocking this style too.
Nam Joo-hyuk
If you like the Dandy Cut but do not want the fringe to feel too heavy, try the See-Through Dandy Cut. It is styled the same way but with lighter, thinned-out bangs that slightly reveal the forehead.
This small tweak makes a big difference. The look feels softer and more relaxed instead of overly structured, which is why the see-through version has become a popular choice in recent Korean men’s hair trends.
Styling difficulty | Low |
Suitable face shapes | Almost all face shapes (especially if you have a higher forehead and want to cover it) |
Down Perm | Not required (recommended if the hair on the sides tends to flip up) |
2. Regent Cut
Song Joong-ki/Jung Hae-in
The Regent Cut first gained major attention thanks to Korean heartthrob Song Joong-ki. Even though he has a naturally youthful face, this style fully exposes the forehead, creating a more mature and polished impression.
This cut works especially well for guys with strong facial structure, or for anyone hoping to visually slim a round or shorter face. By opening up the forehead and adding lift at the crown, the Regent Cut helps elongate the face and gives the hair a fuller, more refined shape.
Styling difficulty | Medium-high |
Suitable face shape | Clearly defined jawline |
Down Perm | Not needed |
3. Comma Bangs
Park Seo-joon
When it comes to classic Korean oppa hairstyles, you cannot skip the iconic comma bangs. Just like the name suggests, the fringe is styled into a soft comma-shaped curve that gives a clean, stylish, slightly sharp look that is hugely popular in Korea.
That said, the classic version does require daily styling to keep the curve in place. If you are not used to doing your hair every morning, it can feel like a bit of work. A good alternative is the Comma Perm, which builds the shape into the hair so the bend looks more natural. Most guys only need a quick blow-dry in the morning, which makes this version much easier to maintain.
Styling difficulty | High |
Suitable face shapes | When you need to soften the forehead and cheekbone lines |
Down Perm | Recommended |
4. Swat Cut
Park Seo-joon
If you watched Itaewon Class, you will definitely recognize this iconic Korean men’s hairstyle. After the drama aired, Park Seo-joon’s “chestnut head” sparked a huge trend in Korea. The look features very short hair with short, straight bangs, a style that used to be relatively rare.
That said, this cut is not for everyone. It tends to suit men with sharper facial features, and if your hair is naturally thick or coarse, you may need a Down Perm to help the sides lie flatter against the head, just like Park Seo-joon’s version. When done right, it creates a clean, masculine, and very polished finish.
Styling difficulty | Low |
Suitable face shapes | Suitable for all except very round faces |
Down Perm | Required |
Common Perm Hairstyles for Men in Korea
1. Down Perm
Bian Youseok/Wei Guxuan
The Down Perm is less of a hairstyle and more of a must-have step in Korean men’s grooming. This treatment uses a specialized perm solution to press down the hair on the sides and back of the head, helping it lie flatter so your overall head shape looks slimmer and more defined. After getting a down perm, daily styling becomes much easier and you no longer have to fight with stubborn side hair that sticks out.
Honestly, it is incredibly common in Korea. At my own office, about eight out of ten Korean male coworkers have had a down perm at some point. Once you notice how neat and flat their sideburns look, you start seeing the difference everywhere.
Styling difficulty | Low |
Suitable face shapes | Almost all face shapes |
Down Perm | / |
2. Shadow Perm
Lee Dong-wook
The Shadow Perm, often called a fringe perm, is one of the most popular Korean men’s perms right now. It works best on medium to longer hair and gives off that soft, warm “Korean oppa” vibe that makes your overall look feel more approachable. Even if your hair is on the thinner side, the Shadow Perm can add the illusion of thickness and volume.
That said, this style does need a bit of styling to look its best. Compared to some other perms, it can look messy or too bedhead if you skip the morning touch-up. A quick blow-dry and light styling product usually does the trick.
I once went with a guy friend to a salon in Hongdae, and he showed the stylist a photo of Lee Dong-wook as his reference. The stylist recommended a Shadow Perm, and the result was that perfectly undone, effortlessly cool Korean look. What most people do not realize is that this perm is actually quite technical. The direction each section is curled makes a big difference, so it really comes down to the stylist’s skill.
My friend went from heavy, blunt bangs to a soft “Korean warm-boy” style and was honestly thrilled with the transformation. He still goes back to the same salon for touch-ups. If you are thinking of trying this look, you can follow the booking steps below. Whether you are going yourself or bringing your partner, you can easily reserve through us.
Styling difficulty | Moderate |
Suitable face shapes | Long faces, oval faces |
Down Perm | Recommended |
[Spot] THE DAY'S HAIR | Salon for foreign men specializing in haircuts and coloring
3. As Perm
Ji Chang-wook / BTS Jungkook
The As Perm is one of the most classic Korean middle-part perms for men. A key feature of this style is that it slightly reveals the forehead, creating a clean, natural, sunlit vibe that feels effortlessly put together.
The perm builds a soft curve into the front sections to help frame and flatter your face shape. In Korea, this look is loved by everyone from students to office workers because it is polished, versatile, and easy to wear in both casual and professional settings.
Styling difficulty | Low to medium |
Suitable face shapes | Most face shapes can work |
Down Perm | Not required (Recommended if the hair on the sides tends to flip up) |
4. Garma Perm
Gong Yoo
Similar to the As Perm above, this is also a parting perm, but with a more defined 6:4 or 7:3 split. Because more of the forehead is exposed, the overall vibe feels more polished and mature.
You will often see Korean actors in their 30s and 40s wearing this style. If you like that refined, Gong Yoo–inspired look, this is definitely one to consider.
Grooming difficulty | Moderate |
Suitable face shape | Rounder, shorter faces |
Down Perm | Recommended |
5. Soft Spin Swallow Perm
Kim Young-dae
This style gained major attention thanks to Kim Young-dae in Penthouse. It uses small, piecey waves to transform basic short hair into something much more textured and dimensional, making the hair look fuller while still feeling light and airy.
Because the finish is perfectly messy yet natural, it quickly became a go-to Korean men’s perm that many guys started asking for at salons.
Styling difficulty | Medium (requires hair products to emphasize layers) |
Suitable face shapes | Works for most face shapes |
Down Perm | Not required (recommended if hair on the sides tends to flip out) |
Seoul Men's Hair Salon Recommendations
THE DAY'S HAIR
- Address: (서울 마포구 홍익로5안길 20 2F) Seoul, Mapo-gu, Hongik-ro 5an-gil 20 2F
- Business hours: 10:00-22:00
- How to get there: Hongdae Entrance Station (Hongdaeipgu Station) Exit 9
As mentioned earlier, THE DAY'S HAIR in Hongdae is not just great for personalized color. They are also highly skilled in men’s grooming. Whether you are looking for a clean haircut, natural dye, or a more technical Korean perm, this salon can handle the full range of men’s hair services.
My friend who visited recently said the stylist was extremely detail-oriented, and since both the stylist and staff spoke English, the entire process from consultation to cut and perm was smooth and easy to follow. They also use well-known professional products, and the final result looked fantastic. If you book through Creatrip, you can get up to 20 percent off, so it is definitely worth locking in your slot early.
[Spot] THE DAY'S HAIR | Hair salon specializing in men's cuts and coloring for foreigners
BUDDY Men's Hair
- Address: (서울 마포구 양화로7길 28 3F) 28, Yanghwa-ro 7-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul 3F
- Business hours: Mon, Wed–Sun 10:00-22:00
- How to get there: Hapjeong Station exit 2
The THE DAY'S HAIR we mentioned earlier welcomes both men and women, but if you are looking for a dedicated barbershop experience, BUDDY Men’s Hair in Hapjeong is one of the rare men-only hair salons near Seoul Station worth checking out. The stylists here are highly experienced and focus specifically on designing the latest trendy Korean men’s hairstyles, so you know you are in specialist hands.
Communication is also foreigner-friendly. Staff can speak English and Japanese, and they use translation devices when needed, so language is rarely an issue. Many customers say BUDDY Men’s Hair offers excellent value, and the finished styles feel distinctly Korean compared to cuts you might get in Hong Kong or Taiwan. If you are thinking of upgrading your look, or booking for your boyfriend, this is a solid salon to put on your Seoul list.
[Spot] BUDDY Men's Hair (Hapjeong branch)
C.PLOT
- Address: Seoul Gangnam-gu Teheran-ro 130 2F
- Business hours:
- Mon–Fri 10:00-22:00
- Sat 09:00-14:00
- How to get there: Gangnam Station Exit 1
Another spot I recommend for a Korean men’s haircut in Gangnam is C.PLOT, a barber shop located near Gangnam Station. The space has a relaxed, upscale vibe that feels more like stepping into a high-end vintage barbershop than a typical salon.
The stylists focus on tailoring each cut to match your personal image, with results that lean more mature, gentlemanly, and masculine. It has even earned a perfect 5-star rating on our site. If you want to experience a premium Korean men’s barber service in Seoul, Gangnam C.PLOT is definitely worth booking.
[Spot] C.PLOT Men's Hair Salon (Gangnam)
Park Seung Chol Hair Studio
- Address: 3F, 135 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- Business hours: 10:30-20:30
- How to get there: Hongdae Entrance Station, Exit 8
Park Seung Chol Hair Studio, which has successfully expanded into the United States and China, is widely recognized as a global Korean hair trendsetter. It is also one of the salons that truly understands how to execute polished Korean men’s hairstyles. One of our editors recently visited the Hongdae branch for a color service.
My coworker usually sticks to the same salon because many places fall short on men’s cuts, but he walked away more impressed than expected. The stylist recommended a cut and color based on his face shape and personal style, while still carefully listening to what he wanted. He finally got the exact shade he had been trying to achieve for a long time.
If you are planning to cut, perm, and color your hair in one visit, I highly recommend booking Park Seung Chol Hair Studio through us to enjoy an exclusive 10 percent discount.
[Spot] Park Seung Chol Hair Studio (Hongdae branch)
What You Should Know Before Booking a Korean Hair Salon
#1 Average Price for Men's Haircuts in Korea
Treatment | Price |
Men's haircut | ₩25,000~40,000 (25000~40000) |
Men's hair color (single shade) | ₩80,000~130,000 (80000~130000) |
Men's bleaching (one session) | ₩80,000~120,000 (80000~120000) |
Men's Down Perm | ₩20,000~40,000 (20000~40000) |
Men's perm | ₩80,000~200,000 (80000~200000) |
Men's hair treatment | ₩50,000~150,000 (50000~150000) |
※2026 data
※Prices vary by region, stylist level, hair texture, and other factors
#2 Many salons often charge extra fees
One thing to know about Korean men’s haircut pricing is that many salons advertise a basic short-hair rate. It might seem like this would not affect most guys, but the final cost can still increase depending on your hair length, thickness, and whether you add services like treatments or a down perm. These upgrades usually come with extra fees, so the total can end up higher than the initial price you saw. It is always smart to confirm the full cost during your consultation to avoid surprises.
If you book a Korean hair salon through Creatrip, any potential add-on fees are clearly shown on the reservation page. This makes pricing much more transparent and helps international visitors book with confidence, without worrying about unexpected charges.
#3 It's a good idea to bring reference photos
Instead of relying on hairstyle names alone, the clearest way to communicate with your stylist is to bring reference photos. Try to prepare a few images from different angles so they can fully understand the shape, texture, and overall vibe you want.
If you do not have one exact style in mind, that is totally fine. Just collect a few photos with a similar feel. This helps your stylist quickly grasp your goal and makes it much easier to achieve the Korean hairstyle you are going for.
Common Phrases Used at Men’s Hair Salons in Korea
Korean (Romanization) | Chinese |
I want a haircut (keotteu hago sipeoyo) | I want a haircut |
I want to dye my hair (yeomsaek hago sipeoyo) | I want to dye my hair |
I want a perm (pama hago sipeoyo) | I want a perm |
I want a Down Perm (down perm hago sipeoyo) | I want a Down Perm |
| I don’t want it too short (neomu jjalgeneun sileoyo) | I don’t want it too short |
Do it like this, please (ireoke haejuseyo) | (Show reference image while saying) I want this hairstyle |
Please give me an easy-to-style cut (sonjil swiun style-lo haejuseyo) | Please give me an easy-to-manage hairstyle |
Please shampoo my hair (shampoo haejuseyo) | Please wash my hair |
More reference words & sentences 👇🏻
[Blog] Korea hair salon terminology
Korea Hair Salon Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can I walk in the same day?
A: Some salons may accept walk-ins, but during busy times you’ll basically need a reservation, especially if you’re planning on dyeing, bleaching, getting a perm, or a scalp treatment since those take longer, so you should book in advance and not just show up.
Q2. Do I need to pay a deposit when making a reservation?
A: If you find a salon yourself online or on Instagram, some salons may require a deposit, so it's best to ask about their policy when you book. If you make a reservation through Creatrip for a Korean hair salon, you will also need to pay a deposit first, but the amount you pay on the day of your service will be the total minus the deposit, so you won't lose out, and you don't need to worry about losing money to a third-party platform.
Q3. How long does it take for a guy to get a haircut, hair dye, bleaching, or perm at a hair salon in Korea?
A: Depending on the salon’s situation and whether you add extra services, it may take longer, but on average a haircut takes 30–60 minutes, bleaching plus dyeing takes at least 3 hours, and a cut with a perm takes 2–3 hours, so you can use these as a reference when planning your schedule.
Q4. Do hair salons in Korea have stylists who speak Chinese or English, or do they provide translators?
A: Hair salons usually don't provide translation services, but salons in popular areas and tourist neighborhoods like Hongdae and Yeonnam may have staff or stylists who speak English. If you want to make sure a specific language service is available, you can book through Creatrip, it will be indicated on the listing!
Q5. Which men's hairstyles don't need daily styling?
A: The Dandy Cut, Swat Cut, and As Perm are relatively easy to maintain, you can keep the style after washing and blow-drying; comma hair and Regent Cut need daily blow-drying or iron styling, then you should use hair wax or hair oil to shape and set them. When you get your hair done, ask your stylist how to maintain it and which products to use, so you can keep the perfect look at home!
Booking a hair salon through Creatrip lets you...
✅ Easy to book in English, prices in USD
✅ Enjoy an exclusive Creatrip customer discount for even better value
✅ We’ll contact the salon for you directly, so no need to know Korean
✅ Book now to enjoy Creatrip Buddy 14-day free personal travel assistant service
That wraps up our editor’s roundup of the latest trending Korean men’s hairstyles and recommended men’s hair salons around Seoul Station. Hopefully this guide makes it easier to decide where to go and what style to try on your next Korea trip.
Before you fly to Korea, remember to book your appointment at one of the salons above. Whether you are going solo or bringing your partner along, it is the perfect chance to walk out with a fresh Korean oppa–style haircut.
If you have any questions or concerns, Creatrip provides 24/7 real-time support in English, Chinese, and Japanese for international visitors completely free of charge. Reach us anytime on WhatsApp (+82 10-8818-2915) or LINE (@creatrip, @required). You can also follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Youtube to stay updated on all things Korea!
